Memorial Day observance in Panama City

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Bay County residents gathered at Kent Forest Lawn in Panama City to observe Memorial Day and pay their respects to the men and women who died serving the United States.

The ceremony featured performances from the Panama City Pipes and Drums, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a 21-gun salute.

Tony Salvo, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 17, joined the Air Force at 18 and served for nearly 25 years. He spoke about the significance of honoring fallen comrades.

“There have been over one million Americans who gave their lives since this country started in wars across the world, and we’re here to honor their sacrifices,” Salvo said. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I’ve left many friends behind in Vietnam, the deserts, and the Middle East, and I’m here to honor their sacrifice.”

Chris Bergtholdt, Commander of the 325th Operations Group at Tyndall Air Force Base, was the guest speaker. He emphasized the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day is not meant to mark the first day of summer,” Bergtholdt said. “It is not meant to get a good deal online. It is meant to take time to pause and commemorate those that have sacrificed themselves in service of our nation.”

Mike Lozan, a Vietnam-era veteran and member of the Bay County Veterans Council, played a key role in organizing the ceremony.

“We’re veterans; we’ve been there, we’ve done that, and we feel it’s important for the younger folks to know about it,” Lozan said. “I served in Desert Storm, and when you’re in a combat situation, it really brings home the sacrifices people make. That’s what Memorial Day is all about, honoring those sacrifices.”